As China claimed its first-ever gold medal in artistic swimming at the 2024 Paris Olympics after dominating the acrobatic team event on Aug. 7, former world champion Zhong Ni shared her emotional response to the historic achievement.

Zhong Ni, a former world champion artistic swimmer, poses with China's national flag before the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Olympics in Paris, France, July 26, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

"After 40 years of hard work and challenges, our artistic swimming team has finally welcomed our best days," Zhong said. "This historic breakthrough has brought joy and tears to every Chinese artistic swimmer."

Zhong, a champion in various national and international artistic swimming, retired in 2010 without competing in the Olympics. She later contributed to organizing major sporting events, including the World Aquatics Artistic Swimming World Cup, the Guangzhou Asian Games, and the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Team China competes during the artistic swimming acrobatic team event at the 2024 Paris Games in Saint-Denis, France, Aug. 7, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

She attributed China's artistic swimming gold medal to "the athletes' hard work, the comprehensive support of the entire team, and the dreams and pursuits of several generations of artistic swimmers." She emphasized that each participant and contributor is indispensable.

"It is precisely because we continuously explore the sport that we have earned the respect and recognition we enjoy today," she said, quoting an ancient Chinese proverb: "Without taking small steps, we cannot reach a thousand miles; without small streams, there can be no seas or rivers."

Zhong Ni attends a beach volleyball match during the 2024 Paris Olympics in Paris, France, July 30, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Zhong, attending her fifth Olympics but first as a spectator, praised the integration of Paris landmarks with sports events. "I'm thrilled with this edition of the Games, particularly the unique integration of Paris' landmarks with sports events," she said. "Events are held at iconic locations like the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles, showcasing France's romantic and excellent aesthetic, allowing everyone to appreciate the charm of the art capital while watching the Olympics."

Zhong stated she was proud to see so many Chinese athletes winning golds and achieving historic breakthroughs, highlighting their role as ambassadors for their country through their performances, demeanor and charisma. "They tell and spread the good stories of China with their strength, effectively communicating China's narrative and voice to the world," she noted.

Zhong Ni poses with Jacques de Navacelle de Coubertin, a descendant of the modern Olympic Games founder Pierre de Coubertin, holding a Chinese biography of Pierre signed by Jacques. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Zhong highlighted meeting Jacques de Navacelle de Coubertin, a descendant of modern Olympics founder Pierre de Coubertin, and visiting his ancestor's former residence as a memorable experience during her trip.

Zhong Ni visits The China House at the Hotel Salomon de Rothschild in Paris, France. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Additionally, she also toured The China House, a pavilion at the Hotel Salomon de Rothschild in Paris, showcasing sports and achievements from ancient and modern China. As a sportswoman, she felt it was important to deepen her understanding of sports culture and history.

One moment, in particular, struck her. During the rainy opening ceremony, Zhong shared her umbrella with a volunteer. Amid the rain, they chatted and exchanged bags — her small camera bag featuring the Beijing Winter Olympics logo for the volunteer's 2024 Paris Games bag — a simple act that resonated deeply.

Zhong Ni poses with a volunteer for a photo after exchanging Olympic-themed bags at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Games in Paris, France, July 26, 2024. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

"I felt that it wasn't just an exchange of items," Zhong said, "but also a connection of the spirit and culture of two significant sporting events, forging a special bond between our countries."